RIO RANCHO, N.M. – Short-term rentals have been a hot topic in the City of Rio Rancho since October 2024. Spurred on by the public, the mayor tapped two other councilors to revise the ordinance.

“On this particular end I think these were good compromises and if we feel we need to dial it back or they get out of control. I know this governing body is willing to listen to that, but at this point this gives us at least the upfront opportunity to put regulations in place that help us do this,” said Rio Rancho Mayor Gregg Hull. 

The compromises expand what’s allowed, the original ordinance allowed short-term rentals to be rented out once a week or 52 times a year.

The provision changes that to seven times a month or 84 times a year with no regulation in the month of October for Balloon Fiesta, a change that isn’t universally popular.

“I struggle a little bit with 84 rentals per year in a single dwelling unit when by and large there is still a pretty big split in the community on short-term rentals,” said Karissa Culbreath, a city councilor. 

The second provision changes how the city limits permits from a flat 420 short-term rentals citywide to a density rule that mandates a two house buffer between each rental. 

Some residents still worry how this will affect the housing market.

“This negatively impacts it, you see housing prices rise in pretty much every city that continue to allow more and more short-term rentals. I also want to point out, you don’t need to completely uncap the month of October,” said a Rio Rancho resident. 

The city also plans to tighten renewal rules from 30 days to renew expired permits to 15 days. 

“As far as I am concerned, this ordinance solves all my problems and I would urge the adoption of it,” a Rio Rancho resident said. 

The ordinance passed its first hurdle. If the council passes it at the next meeting, it becomes law on July 1.